A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health reveals a troubling connection between excessive screen time, disrupted sleep, and rising rates of depression among teenagers, particularly girls. Conducted by researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, the study tracked 4,810 Swedish adolescents aged 12 to 16 over one year, examining their screen usage, sleep patterns, and depression symptoms.
The findings indicate that increased screen time correlates with poorer sleep quality and timing, which in turn predicts depressive symptoms. Specifically, the study shows that adolescents who spent more time on screens experienced significant declines in both the duration and quality of their sleep within just three months. Sleep disruptions included later bedtimes, which interfere with the natural sleep-wake cycle.
For girls, the connection between screen time and depression is primarily mediated through sleep disturbances. Researchers found that sleep issues accounted for approximately 38% to 57% of the link between screen time and depressive symptoms in girls. In contrast, boys showed a more direct relationship between screen time and depression, as increased screen use was directly associated with higher depression levels after twelve months, regardless of sleep issues.
The Swedish Public Health Agency has recommended that adolescents limit recreational screen time to no more than two to three hours per day to promote healthier sleep behaviors. Prior research has suggested a relationship between high screen usage and mental health issues, but this study clarifies the specific pathways involved.
The authors conclude that reducing screen time could significantly alleviate the mental health burden faced by young people. By implementing public health policies aimed at limiting screen exposure, they suggest that the rates of depressive states among adolescents, especially young women, could be reduced. This research underscores the importance of balancing screen time to support better sleep and mental health outcomes in teenagers.
